'Ensure EVMS are tamper-proof before using them'

With questions being raised by a section over the proper functioning of Electronic Voting Machines, BJP today asked the Election Commission to ensure that the machines are tamper-proof before putting them to use in the coming assembly elections in Maharashtra and Haryana.

With questions being raised by a section over the proper functioning of Electronic Voting Machines, BJP on Sunday asked the Election Commission to ensure that the machines are tamper-proof before putting them to use in the coming assembly elections in Maharashtra and Haryana.

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However, the party made it "very clear" that it was not raising any question mark over the recently held Lok Sabha elections in the "absence of any tangible proof".

"It is certainly expected that the Election Commission would ensure... After proper enquiry that the EVMs are not subjected to any manipulation or malfunctioning.

"Till that is done, it is expected that the elections to Maharashtra, Haryana etc will be done through ballot papers," BJP spokesperson Ravishankar Prasad told PTI.

He said apprehensions were being raised by different quarters about the alleged malfunctioning of EVMs. Recently, former Delhi Chief Secretary Omesh Saigal gave a scientific and technical presentation to the Commission as to how EVMS can be programmed to manipulate.

"The Election Commission has now ordered an inquiry by a Deputy Election Commissioner," he added.

"Now many parts of the world's democracies are following the old system of ballot papers," he added.